Accident
On July 13, 2015, at approximately 1430 eastern daylight time, a Grumman American AA-5, registration N1356R, experienced a runway excursion during takeoff at Southbridge Municipal Airport (3B0) in Southbridge, Massachusetts. The aircraft was substantially damaged after impacting trees and brush at the airport perimeter. The airline transport pilot and two passengers on board were not injured.
According to the pilot, the preflight inspection and taxi to runway 02 were normal. During the takeoff roll, at about rotation speed, a gust of wind yawed the airplane to the left, and it became airborne. The pilot corrected for the yaw and maintained runway heading, but decided to reject the takeoff, considering it the safer option. After touching back down, the pilot applied heavy braking but could not stop before colliding with trees and brush near the airport boundary.
Aircraft
The Grumman American AA-5, N1356R, came to rest upright against the airport perimeter fence in an area of shrubbery and small trees, approximately 600 feet beyond the departure end of runway 02. Examination revealed impact damage to the leading edge and upper surface of the left wing outboard of midspan. The right wing leading edge was damaged along the outer one-third of its span. The nose landing gear separated from the fuselage. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were identified.
Pilot
The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine land, multiengine land, instrument airplane, and a Boeing 737 type rating. He reported 21,623 total flight hours, including 30 hours in the accident aircraft make and model. His most recent first-class medical examination was on February 11, 2015.
Weather
At the time of the accident, visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The recorded weather observation at Worcester Regional Airport, located 12 nautical miles northeast of the accident site, included variable wind direction at 4 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 27°C, dew point 16°C, few clouds at 3,800 feet above ground level, and an altimeter setting of 29.93 inches of mercury.
The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight and did not have a filed flight plan.